A 16-day Great American State Fair tied to President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 runs June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall, but several states say they are opting out—citing costs and resource limits—while at least 15 others plan detailed pavilions.
When the National Mall opens for the Great American State Fair on June 25. it won’t be a single. unified display. Some states are preparing elaborate pavilions for the 16-day event. set to run through July 10 under Freedom 250. a group organized by President Donald Trump to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Others say they won’t allocate resources at all.
The split is coming into focus as the fair—designed to include pavilions representing all 50 U.S. states and six territories—has also faced setbacks behind the scenes. Late last month, several musicians backed out of a planned concert series, citing the event’s perceived political affiliation. Trump replaced the concerts with a rally on June 24, with himself as the headliner.
Freedom 250’s spokesperson. Rachel Reisner. said in response to the criticism that the organization is “a nonpartisan organization. full stop. ” adding that its “track record of collaboration across red. blue. and purple states speaks for itself.” Even so. officials from several states confirmed they will not be providing resources to participate.
Reisner also stressed that representation will still cover every state. “Regardless, all states will be represented,” she said.
Officials in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, and North Carolina said they are not participating—and each account traces back to the same pressure point: money.
Connecticut said the decision “came down to resources,” according to Cathryn Vaulman, director of communications for Gov. Ned Lamont.
Illinois is not providing funding for the event, but representatives from the Peoria Riverfront Museum will run the state’s booth, with Jayette Bolinski, director of communications for Illinois Department of Natural Resources, describing the museum’s role.
Massachusetts did not comment publicly on the reason for not participating. But Gov. Maura Healey said in a June 2 interview on GBH News that Trump’s administration “wants to charge us” for the event.
North Carolina’s Michele Walker, assistant communications director for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, said in a statement the state is not attending due to “the expenditures required to participate.”
That budget strain sits alongside a broader push from other states to show up anyway—with specific themes, interactive features, and multi-sensory exhibit plans.
Arizona will title its pavilion “Arizona Illuminated. ” with Josh Coddington. a spokesperson for the Arizona Tourism Department. saying it will include “creative lighting. sound. scent and digital design elements” meant to immerse visitors in Arizona’s natural environments such as Antelope Canyon and “our clear. star-studded dark skies.”.
Arkansas’ exhibit, “Experience The Natural State,” is designed to “showcase Arkansas’ trailblazing people, industries and experiences” that have shaped 250 years of American progress and innovation, according to April Kiser, a spokesperson for the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Colorado plans what its spokesperson described as an “engaging interactive experience giving visitors a taste of Colorado’s outdoors,” with Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis, stating it in a release.
Florida’s involvement was confirmed by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who called it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation to come together and celebrate the 250th birthday of the greatest country on earth,” adding, “We will have more details to share as we get closer to the Fair.”
For the Illinois pavilion specifically. Bolinski said the Peoria Riverfront Museum volunteered to represent Illinois at the Great American State Fair. and that state funds were not used to pay for the museum’s travel or exhibit. The Illinois-centric pavilion will highlight contributions to “the world of sports. architecture. and agriculture. ” and it will include a hologram pre-loaded with stories from state residents. Bolinski said.
Mississippi’s America250 commission will run the state’s pavilion, with Shelby Wilcher, press secretary for Gov. Tate Reeves, confirming participation. Wilcher said visitors will have “interactive elements designed to engage audiences of all ages. ” a “large video screen” playing a feature presentation continuously. and themed displays covering Mississippi’s history. notable figures. and contributions to the nation.
New York’s pavilion will be run by I Love NY, New York State’s tourism campaign, according to information provided through Empire State Development. The exhibit is set to showcase New York’s vacation regions, include a sculpture of the I Love NY logo, and offer opportunities to win prizes.
South Carolina’s exhibit will feature “unique products. culture. and renowned Southern hospitality. ” Sam Queen. director of internal communications for the South Carolina Department of Parks. Recreation & Tourism. said. It will include interactive attractions including “a putting green. cornhole and South Carolina-themed postcards that visitors can personalize and send to friends and family.” Queen also said the exhibit is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Parks. Recreation & Tourism. the South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission. the Department of Commerce. the Department of Natural Resources. and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.
Texas’ exhibit is still being finalized. Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Gov. Greg Abbott, said the Texas Economic Development and Tourism office is planning the state’s exhibit. He said visitors can expect a “dynamic showcase” highlighting why Texas is a travel destination and a national leader in opportunity. innovation. and freedom. Mahaleris also said Texas is proud to showcase “world-class industries. rich culture. booming economy. unmatched energy production. agricultural strength. and the unbreakable spirit of the Lone Star State.”.
Wyoming’s pavilion will include “agriculture education. Western lifestyle demonstrations. virtual reality experiences. storytelling. and hands-on activations. ” according to Amy Edmonds. a spokesperson for the governor’s office. Edmonds also described the message behind the exhibit as reflecting “the people. places. and values that define Wyoming.” Courtny Hinds. general manager of the Wyoming State Fair and Wyoming’s state pavilion lead. said in a statement that the pavilion is “a celebration of the history. grit. and authenticity that define Wyoming. ” and that it’s “an opportunity to share not only where we come from. but our way of life. and we invite the world to come experience the Wyoming way.”.
Other states confirmed participation as well, though some details were still pending. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed it is participating in the fair. The Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs confirmed it is participating. and the New York state tourism plans were described through Empire State Development.
North Dakota said its planned display will highlight “culture. wildlife. agriculture. landscapes and premium travel experiences through compelling imagery and interactive elements. ” with Kim Schmidt. a spokesperson for the North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division. saying “planning is ongoing” and that more details about exhibit components. partners and programming will be shared as they are finalized.
Ohio participation was confirmed by Dan Tierney, a spokesperson for Gov. Mike DeWine. West Virginia’s governor’s office spokesperson. Lars Dalseide. confirmed the state’s participation. and Wyoming’s plans were described through the governor’s office and pavilion leadership. In addition, the Texas press secretary described the broad theme while details are still being finalized.
Across the 16-day fair, the tension is straightforward in the paperwork: some states are saying “resources” and “expenditures required” are the reason they won’t allocate funding, while others are actively designing booths with specific themes, technologies, and interactive attractions.
Reisner’s message that all states will still be represented adds an additional layer to the showdown. Even as some states refuse to spend. the fair’s organizers are set on ensuring every state name appears somewhere on the National Mall—an arrangement that keeps the political fight from turning into a map of absence.
The Great American State Fair will take place from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall under Freedom 250, as the event moves from promises and pavilions into the real work of drawing crowds—one state at a time.
Great American State Fair Freedom 250 National Mall Trump state pavilions state budgets Connecticut Illinois Massachusetts North Carolina Arizona Illuminated Arkansas Natural State